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Best Arkansas Colleges: 2017-2018 Rankings

Arkansas Arkansas

To evaluate their educational value, we've ranked colleges in Arkansas empirically on traits like tuition costs, student-to-teacher ratio, graduation rate, earnings after college, and others. While features students prioritize most is purely subjective, analyzing all of these factors as a whole can show a college's overall quality. See which two- and four-year Arkansas colleges made the final cut in this year's rankings.

Methodology +
Minimum Qualifications
  • Located in Arkansas
  • Public or private not-for-profit
  • Institutionally accredited
  • At least 5 total programs
Ranking Metrics
  • Median annual alumni earnings 10 years after entering the college
  • In-state tuition and fees for undergraduates
  • Student/teacher ratio
  • % of students receiving institutional financial aid (first-time, full-time undergrads)
  • Average amount of institutional aid awarded per student (first-time, full-time undergrads)
  • Availability of placement services upon completion
  • Availability of academic/career counseling services
  • Availability of employment services
  • 3-year student cohort loan default rate
Data Sources

Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS): National Center for Education Statistics

  • Latest 'Final Release' data available as of Fall 2016

College Scorecard: U.S. Department of Education

  • Latest data available as of Fall 2016
Minimum Qualifications
  • Located in Arkansas
  • Public or private not-for-profit
  • Institutionally accredited
  • At least 10 total programs
Ranking Metrics
  • Median annual alumni earnings 10 years after entering the college
  • In-state tuition and fees for undergraduates
  • Student/teacher ratio
  • 6-year graduation rate
  • % of students receiving institutional financial aid (first-time, full-time undergrads)
  • Average amount of institutional aid awarded per student (first-time, full-time undergrads)
  • Availability of placement services upon completion
  • Availability of academic/career counseling services
  • Availability of employment services
  • 3-year student cohort loan default rate
Data Sources

Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS): National Center for Education Statistics

  • Latest 'Final Release' data available as of Fall 2016

College Scorecard: U.S. Department of Education

  • Latest data available as of Fall 2016
Rank School Name Score Tuition Fees Alumni Earnings Student/Teacher Ratio Gift Financial Aid Description Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate # Online Programs # Total Programs Placement Services Credit for Experience
1
North Arkansas College
99.77
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
 $ $$$$
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
 $26,500 		N/A
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
 32% 		24% N/A 3 N/A Yes Yes
2
Arkansas State University – Mountain Home
99.58
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
 $ $$$$
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
 $26,500 		N/A
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
 18% 		28% N/A 2 N/A Yes Yes
3
Black River Technical College
99.38
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
 $ $$$$
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
 $26,500 		N/A
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
 9% 		14% N/A 0 N/A Yes No
4
Pulaski Technical College
99.28
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
 $ $$$$
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
 $26,500 		N/A
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
 25% 		13% N/A 0 N/A Yes No
5
Arkansas Northeastern College
98.99
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
 $ $$$$
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
 $26,500 		N/A
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
 26% 		20% N/A 3 N/A Yes Yes
6
Southeast Arkansas College
98.64
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
 $ $$$$
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
 $26,500 		N/A
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
 4% 		12% N/A 1 N/A Yes Yes
7
College of the Ouachitas
98.55
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
 $ $$$$
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
 $26,500 		N/A
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
 24% 		23% N/A 5 N/A Yes Yes
8
South Arkansas Community College
98.47
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
 $ $$$$
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
 $26,500 		N/A
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
 4% 		10% N/A 1 N/A Yes Yes
9
University of Arkansas Hope – Texarkana
98.29
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
 $ $$$$
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
 $26,500 		N/A
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
 13% 		23% N/A 2 N/A Yes Yes
10
Ozarka College
98.25
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
 $ $$$$
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
 $26,500 		N/A
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
 25% 		22% N/A 5 N/A No Yes
11
University of Arkansas Community College – Batesville
98.15
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
 $ $$$$
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
 $26,500 		N/A
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
 36% 		26% N/A 2 N/A Yes Yes
12
Phillips Community College
98.04
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
 $ $$$$
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
 $26,500 		N/A
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
 17% 		25% N/A 1 N/A Yes Yes
13
Arkansas State University – Beebe
97.93
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
 $ $$$$
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
 $26,500 		N/A
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
 34% 		35% N/A 4 N/A Yes Yes
14
National Park College
97.11
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
 $ $$$$
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
 $26,500 		N/A
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
 71% 		20% N/A 5 N/A Yes Yes
15
Southern Arkansas University Tech
96.66
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
 $ $$$$
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
 $26,500 		N/A
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
 22% 		42% N/A 8 N/A Yes Yes
16
East Arkansas Community College
96.39
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
 $ $$$$
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
 $26,500 		N/A
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
 15% 		12% N/A 6 N/A Yes Yes
17
University of Arkansas Community College – Morrilton
96.23
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
 $ $$$$
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
 $26,500 		N/A
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
 30% 		28% 62% 0 N/A Yes Yes
18
NorthWest Arkansas Community College
96.01
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
 $ $$$$
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
 $26,500 		N/A
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
 4% 		14% N/A 4 N/A Yes Yes
19
Crowley’s Ridge Technical Institute
95.97
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
 $ $$$$
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
 $26,500 		N/A
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
 12% 		40% N/A 0 N/A No No
20
Rich Mountain Community College
95.8
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
 $ $$$$
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
 $26,500 		N/A
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
 23% 		22% N/A 0 N/A Yes No
21
Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas
95.48
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
 $ $$$$
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
 $26,500 		N/A
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
 16% 		22% N/A 4 N/A Yes Yes
22
Remington College-Little Rock Campus
94.66
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
 $$ $$$
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
 $26,500 		N/A
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
 83% 		60% 69% 0 N/A Yes No
23
Mid-South Community College
94.39
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
 $ $$$$
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
 $26,500 		N/A
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
 17% 		8% N/A 0 N/A No Yes
24
Northwest Technical Institute
87.61
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
 $ $$$$
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
 $26,500 		N/A
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
 8% 		44% N/A 0 N/A Yes Yes
25
Baptist Health Schools-Little Rock
86.19
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
 $ $$$$
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
 $26,500 		N/A
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
 24% 		37% 62% 0 N/A No No
26
Arkansas State University – Newport
86
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
 $ $$$$
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
 $26,500 		N/A
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
 9% 		45% N/A 0 N/A No Yes
Rank School Name Score Tuition Fees Alumni Earnings Student/Teacher Ratio Gift Financial Aid Description Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate # Online Programs # Total Programs Placement Services Credit for Experience
1
John Brown University
99.69
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
 $$$ $$
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
 $26,500 		N/A
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
 99% 		68% 70% 1 N/A Yes Yes
2
Hendrix College
99.06
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
 $$$$ $
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
 $26,500 		N/A
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
 100% 		72% 83% 0 N/A Yes No
3
Ouachita Baptist University
97.63
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
 $$$ $$
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
 $26,500 		N/A
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
 100% 		59% 71% 0 N/A Yes No
4
Harding University
97.17
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
 $$ $$$
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
 $26,500 		N/A
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
 91% 		61% 99% 18 N/A Yes No
5
University of Arkansas
94.07
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
 $$ $$$
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
 $26,500 		N/A
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
 38% 		60% 62% 19 N/A Yes No
6
Lyon College
94.05
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
 $$$ $$
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
 $26,500 		N/A
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
 100% 		48% 61% 0 N/A Yes No
7
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
92.21
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
 $ $$$$
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
 $26,500 		N/A
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
 50% 		19% 59% 15 N/A Yes No
8
University of Central Arkansas
92.21
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
 $ $$$$
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
 $26,500 		N/A
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
 85% 		41% 94% 13 N/A Yes No
9
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus
92.01
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
 $ $$$$
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
 $26,500 		N/A
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
 82% 		35% 71% 9 N/A Yes No
10
Central Baptist College
91.67
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
 $$ $$$
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
 $26,500 		N/A
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
 91% 		36% 57% 1 N/A No Yes
11
Arkansas State University-Main Campus
91.54
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
 $ $$$$
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
 $26,500 		N/A
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
 65% 		39% 72% 16 N/A Yes No
12
Arkansas Tech University
91.2
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
 $ $$$$
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
 $26,500 		N/A
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
 56% 		41% 86% 8 N/A Yes Yes
13
University of the Ozarks
90.62
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
 $$$ $$
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
 $26,500 		N/A
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
 90% 		48% 89% 0 N/A Yes No
14
Henderson State University
90.34
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
 $ $$$$
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
 $26,500 		N/A
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
 74% 		36% 63% 2 N/A Yes No
15
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
89.91
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
 $$ $$$
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
 $26,500 		N/A
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
 N/A 		N/A N/A 5 N/A No No
16
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
89.04
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
 $ $$$$
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
 $26,500 		N/A
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
 51% 		28% 39% 0 N/A Yes No
17
Philander Smith College
88.19
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
 $$ $$$
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
 $26,500 		N/A
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
 78% 		31% N/A 0 N/A Yes Yes
18
University of Arkansas at Monticello
88.15
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
 $ $$$$
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
 $26,500 		N/A
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
 51% 		23% N/A 4 N/A Yes Yes
19
Williams Baptist College
87.18
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
 $$ $$$
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
 $26,500 		N/A
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
 99% 		43% 70% 0 N/A No No
20
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith
86
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
 $ $$$$
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
 $26,500 		N/A
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
 47% 		25% 56% 2 N/A Yes Yes

Search & Compare Colleges in Arkansas

Choosing a college or university should methodical: one must be deliberate in their research to avoid being overwhelmed. This search tool lets prospective students narrow their search for Arkansas colleges according to criteria such as enrollment and tuition figures, program availability, and city location.

State
Degree Level
School Type
Environment

College Planning and Support Programs in Arkansas

Arkansas ranked 36th in the nation in K-12 achievement as of January 2015. The state's academic institutions, private organizations and others are working hard to improve this ranking. Students from all backgrounds need equal access to information, and opportunity gaps must close to increase the number of college-educated state residents. Some of the organizations and programs working to improve matters are:

Academic Challenge Program

This scholarship is awarded to high school graduates, first-generation college students or those returning to school after a period away, without regard for academic performance. Funded through the Arkansas Lottery Program, the Challenge Scholarship has three student categories: traditional, current achievers and non-traditional students. There are many requirements such as in-state residency (for 12 months prior to applying) and U.S. citizenship.

Arkansas Coalition for Dream

An organization that works improve college access for Arkansas' immigrant students. It focuses on education, improving graduation rates and advocating for children of undocumented parents. It also aims to pass the DREAM Act (Development, Relief and Education of Alien Minors) at both state and national levels. In addition to advocating for non-citizen students, the coalition also advocates for equality for people of all color, gender, sexual orientation and race. It works at the community level to increase training and opportunity for students.

Arkansas Lottery

The Arkansas Lottery supports scholarships and grants for prospective Arkansas college students. The program is accountable to the public and General Assembly of the Department of Finance and Administration Office and must be managed in an entertaining way that maximizes revenues. Public, private, two-year or four-year college students are all eligible to apply.

College Costs in Arkansas

The cost of college in Arkansas depends greatly on a number of factors, including price-per-credit, course load, degree level and residency. Other factors can mitigate these expenses: financial aid, for example, can make college significantly more affordable. Many students want to know how Arkansas school costs compare with the national average. The following graphic compares financial aid and tuition on the national level and clarifies how residency influences it.

Average Arkansas Tuition &Fees at 4-Year Public Colleges

Source: CollegeBoard

% of Arkansas StudentsReceiving Financial Aid

Source: IPEDS

Average Financial Aid Award for Arkansas Students

Source: IPEDS

* Institutional aid represents grant and scholarship funds directly awarded by a postsecondary institution.

* Financial aid data represents 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Most Affordable Colleges in Arkansas

As noted above, the affordability of one's college education varies by circumstance, especially when financial aid comes into play. Net price is the most accurate barometer of a school's overall cost, as it subtracts financial aid from tuition, living costs, books, and other expenses. See which Arkansas colleges have the lowest net price below.

Average
Annual Net
Price

Cost for students awarded federal financial aid, after school and government aid is deducted. At public colleges, only applies to in-state students.
Arkansas College Net Price vs. National Average
ARKANSAS $12,934 Average
Annual Net Price		 $18,073

Source: College Scorecard
Note: Rankings/data represent 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Colleges in Arkansas With Top-Earning Alumni

Many Arkansas students want to know how certain schools and programs might impact their earning potential. New graduates may face increasing expenses via student loan debt, professional organization membership dues and licensing exam costs. How much students earn determines just how well they can manage them. The following ranking spotlights Arkansas institutions with the highest-paid graduates.

Annual
Median Earnings
10 Years
After Entering
College

Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
Arkansas Alumni Salaries vs. National Average
ARKANSAS $35,686 Annual Median Earnings
10 Years After Entering College		 $42,759

Source: College Scorecard
Note: Rankings/data represent 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Arkansas Colleges With Least Graduate Debt

According to the Institute for College Access and Success, 67 percent of Arkansas college students graduated with an average of $25,000 student debt in 2014. Below is a comparison of schools based on graduates' average student debt.

Median
Federal Student
Loan Debt After
Graduation

Only for undergraduates who completed college; does not include Parent-PLUS loans.
Arkansas College Grad Debt Vs. National Average
ARKANSAS $22,402 Median Federal Student
Loan Debt After Graduation		 $23,145

Source: College Scorecard
Note: Rankings/data represent 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Cost of Living in Arkansas: Groceries, Transportation and Other Expenses

Arkansas has a lower-than-average cost-of-living ranking, which means that the dollar goes further there than most other states. Still, how much college students pay for food, housing, transportation, utilities, and health care impact their budgets as much as any education-related expense. The following data gives students an idea of the biggest cities in the state and the cost of living associated with these categories in each.

area composite index housing groceries utilities transportation health care misc.
Statewide Average 90% 77% 92% 102% 90% 88% 96%
Conway 93% 80% 96% 86% 95% 91% 106%
Fayetteville 88% 76% 91% 103% 92% 92% 90%
Hot Springs 91% 77% 97% 106% 89% 91% 98%
Jonesboro 86% 76% 92% 91% 87% 86% 92%
Little Rock-N Little Rock 95% 90% 92% 115% 93% 86% 96%

Source: The Council for Community and Economic Research

Accreditation for Arkansas Colleges

Accreditation is the process by which colleges in Arkansas are evaluated and certified to meet various quality standards. The Higher Learning Commission is a regional accrediting body that covers many state colleges Arkansas colleges. Many individual programs and departments can also be accredited by national bodies. Among them:

Prominent College Cities in Arkansas

Fayetteville

The third-largest city in Arkansas, Fayetteville had a population of 73,580 in 2010, according to the U.S. Census. It is a college town, and its size grows significantly during the academic year. The city offers rich Civil War history yet a modern cultural presence.

College Name School Type Annual Net Price Annual Median Earnings
10 Years After College

Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
FayettevilleUniversity of Arkansas Private not-for-profit $24,011 $22,900
A public land-grant institution founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas has more than 26,000 students. The Carnegie Foundation ranks it as a research university, but it is known for its athletics as well. According to the school's admissions site, students can choose from 78 majors, and the university gives $85 million in financial assistance and scholarships to students based on merit and need.
Little Rock

The capital of Arkansas, Little Rock is home to four educational institutions, two public and two private. The 2010 U.S. Census put the population at almost 195,000, but the surrounding metropolitan area is closer to 725,000. There are many cultural centers in Little Rock to complement its educational centers.

College Name School Type Annual Net Price Annual Median Earnings
10 Years After College

Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
Little RockUniversity of Arkansas at Little Rock Public $11,053 $74,000
A public school, UALR has more than 100 undergraduate degree programs, as well as 60 graduate degrees. There are six colleges from which to choose a major. One can also study law at the William H Bowen School of Law.
Little RockPulaski Technical College Public $14,795 $39,400
This two-year college focuses on alternative programs of study, including culinary arts and hospitality, technical and industrial programs, and information technology programs. It focuses on credit transfer so that the one's courses will transfer to a higher degree, if desired. Staff also offers a number of evaluation methods for real-life experience outside of the classroom.
Little RockArkansas Baptist College Public $7,211 $23,700
A historically black institution, Arkansas Baptist is a four-year liberal arts college that committed to creating opportunities for students in the black community at the highest levels of education. It maintains an affiliation with the Baptist church and partnership with the Consolidated Missionary Baptist State Convention of Arkansas.

Source: College Scorecard

Arkansas College Resources

Arkansas degree-seekers can find great college resources online. While each institution's website has valuable information on their own programs, here are some additional, unbiased resources to use during the college research process:

Arkansas Department of Career Education

Offers resources for adults looking to further their education or go back to school by helping them stay on track to apply to degree programs.

Arkansas Department of Education

While it caters mostly to school districts and educators, ADE is an equally good resource for parents. It can help them navigate the education system for their child, as well as set reachable goals for their educational future.

Arkansas Research Center

ARC specifically works to improve data and the understanding of educational statistics.

Arkansas Student Loan Authority

Created to improve access to education funding for students in Arkansas attending in-state colleges, ASLA is a hub of information and a source for scholarships.

YOUniversal Arkansas Financial Aid System

Through the Arkansas Department of Higher Education, this financial aid system works to place scholarships with students who qualify.